Commentary on “The NICE guidelines and quality standards on learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary, from a parent carer perspective, on Murphy’s overview of the NICE guidelines and quality standards on learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the NICE approach, the content of these specific guidelines and quality standards and considers their practical relevance, with a particular focus on families of children and young people with learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges.

Findings

Gaps in research affect recommendations in some key areas including around transition and early intervention. Risk factors are not linked to clear recommendations for early identification and prevention. For families, additional work is needed to highlight where these guidelines fit with related national law and policies. Families also need to see how the guidelines can positively influence commissioners to improve life outcomes and avoid crises and deterioration in behaviour. Although NICE guidelines are often condition specific, many of our children and young people have co-existing conditions and so do not fit neatly into just one set of guidelines. That is why data collection is very important to understanding needs and to effective commissioning. There is a need to urgently identify and address the research gaps so that essential interventions are included in future NICE guidelines and standards.

Originality/value

A family carer perspective suggests ways in which implementation of the NICE guidelines can be supported and argues for the importance of the further research that will strengthen future versions of the guidelines.

Citation

Busk, M. (2017), "Commentary on “The NICE guidelines and quality standards on learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 82-86. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-01-2017-0005